Reward to net
bird attackers

A NEST of one of Britain’s rarest birds of prey has been found smashed – prompting a £1,000 reward to help catch those responsible.

The RSPB and Severn Trent Water expressed their outrage at the destruction of the Goshawk nest, in the Derwent Valley, during the last few days. It leaves only one active nest in the valley, which previously had six pairs of the birds.

The RSPB is offering the reward for information leading to a conviction after the latest attack. Mark Thomas, investigations officer with the RSPB, said: “The sight of goshawk eggs smashed, only days from hatching, lying on the forest floor, is a heart-breaking sight and proves that this bird is being systematically wiped out in the north of the Peak District.”

A police investigation has been launched into the incident on land managed by Severn Trent Water (STW).

Hazel Earnshaw, of STW, said: “We are sickened that this protected species has once again been subject to persecution, despite extensive efforts to protect it. The Goshawk should form a natural part of the ecosystem here in the Upper Derwent Valley.

“We are working closely with the RSPB to protect these birds and to identify the guilty parties.”

Sgt Darren Belfield, from Derbyshire police, said it was a further instance of senseless destruction and persecution of a protected species. “The individuals responsible show no regard for the law or for the conservation of bird of prey species within the Peak District National Park.”

lAnyone with any information is urged to contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.